A NEW parking mechanism, which aims to make reversing easier, has been given the seal of approval by the Ministry of Defence. ParkMaster, which is manufactured by Cobra, was chosen by the Government department to be fitted to 480 of its Royal Air Force vehicles as part of a six-month trial.

The test has been carried out on the vehicles, which range from Vauxhall Astravans to larger Leyland DAF box vans, with a view to eventually fitting them to other service and armoured vehicles.

ParkMaster works by allowing the driver to hear what's behind them. Three flush-fit sensors installed in the rear bumper of the vehicle send out an invisible ultrasonic beam. As soon as reverse is selected, the sensors operate, giving an audible beep, changing to a constant tone 30cm away from the object.